Istanbul is located in northwestern Turkey and straddles the Bosphorus Strait, which provides the only passage from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, via the Sea of Marmara. It is Turkey’s most-populated city, with around 15 million people. Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, is known for its ideal geographic position between Europe and Asia, which has become a common metaphor for describing both its history and culture.

A historic capital of great empires and civilizations, Istanbul is rich in arts, history, culture and cuisine. The best things to do in Istanbul can be as glamorous as chartering a Bosphorus boat cruise to visiting the city’s most iconic sites – such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and Galata Tower. We suggest starting each morning with a long Turkish breakfast before setting off to sightsee. Stroll through the Spice Bazaar and its surrounding chaotic streets, cross Galata Bridge into Karaköy for baklava and a fish wrap, scour shops for Turkish towels and ceramics as you climb Galip Dede St to arrive at Istikal Ave and Taksim Square. The city’s dining scene has much to offer, and we’ve chronicled much of it here. Istanbul makes a great base for trips to the Princes’ Islands as well as a launch point for other wonders like Cappadocia and Ephesus.

The best times to visit Istanbul are from March-May and between September-November. That’s when crowds at the city’s attractions are manageable, room rates are average and daytime temperatures generally sit in the high 60s and 70s F.

In Istanbul, the summers are hot and humid with clear skies and generally no higher than 90 F. Winters are mild, though often rainy, with temperatures rarely below 30 F. Snow may fall one or two days in a year. Spring and Fall are beyond pleasant, with temperatures in the high 60s and 70s.

When compared to many major cities in the world, especially in Europe, Istanbul is quite cheap. You can have a full Turkish breakfast for one person from €5 to €10, and many of our favorite eateries serve meals at less than €8 a person. The average price for a three-course meal for one person at a mid-range restaurant for lunch & dinner would be around €10. A cup of coffee is €1.5 and a draft beer about €2.5.

Compared to other cities of its size, Istanbul is very safe. Turkish people are known for their hospitality and are extremely welcoming of foreigners, though we encourage reading up on accounts from travelers of different minority groups. Violent crime in the city is rare, though petty crime such as pickpocketing can be a nuisance in high-tourist areas.

From street food stalls to sit-down restaurants with a view, there is no shortage of options for every palate and budget. While many may already know about Istanbul’s famous kebabs (like döner and Iskender), other classic dishes include lahmacun, simit, meze and an array of phyllo-based desserts like baklava. Turkish breakfast is an institution in its own right, and should never be passed over.

Istanbul is a big city and it has plenty of different areas to choose from, each of them with its own charm and advantages. The best area in Istanbul for first-timers and families can be the historic old town of Sultanahmet, with easy access to sites like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. For those hoping to be in walking distance of restaurants, bars and nightlife, Beyoğlu or Karaköy are ideal.

You can fly directly to Istanbul from many locations worldwide, either into the new Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. Turkish Airlines is among the top five airlines with the highest number of destinations in the world.

Istanbul has a very diverse dining scene from the traditional to the trendy, and it changes daily. You can check out our Top 10 essentials list for our tips. But the hearty dishes at Çiya Sofrası and the classic, consistent baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu can’t be beat.

Istanbul is surrounded by both the Marmara and Black Seas, which are linked by the Bosphorus. Even though Istanbul is not known as a beach city, there are a number of public beaches: Florya, on the European side of the city; the Caddebostan area, on the Asian side; Kilyos, on the Black Sea coast; and each of the four Princes’ Islands in the Marmara Sea. These beaches are free to use, though chaise lounges can be rented at private beach clubs.

Istanbul is a diverting city with much to do, and eat, for children of any age. Though the city’s cobblestone streets and crowds can make walking with a stroller difficult, there are a growing number of wide, paved pathways for meandering along the Bosphorus. People in Turkey love kids and babies, and you can easily find restaurants with a designated “aile salonu,” or family room, with a small area for children to play.

American passport holders can obtain an e-visa online at www.evisa.gov.tr before travel, valid for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. No vaccination or testing requirements.

Four to five full days. That gives you time for one full-day food tour, a Bosphorus crossing to the Asian side, the historic Bazaar Quarter, a Turkish breakfast morning, and at least one evening meyhane meal

Culinary Backstreets runs seven food tours in Istanbul, led by resident food writers. Two Markets, Two Continents ties Karaköy and Kadıköy together with a Bosphorus ferry crossing. Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter covers the historic craftsmen's district around the Grand Bazaar. Born on the Bosphorus explores three waterside neighborhoods on both sides of the strait. Culinary Secrets of the Old City goes past the Sultanahmet tourist traps to where locals actually eat. Hidden Beyoğlu, By Night is the evening tour of the European quarter's cosmopolitan food and nightlife. Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş digs into one of Istanbul's most diverse and food-centric neighborhoods. Shop, Cook, Feast is a hands-on cooking experience built around market shopping.

Signature Istanbul dishes include döner and Iskender kebab, lahmacun, simit, meze, and phyllo-based desserts like baklava. Turkish breakfast is a meal in its own right. Don't miss kokoreç, kokorec, kumpir, and manti.

All three. Solo travelers do well at kebab shops, meyhanes at the bar, and the ferry-and-fish-sandwich circuit at Karaköy and Eminönü. Families are warmly welcomed and Turkish restaurants are set up for children (aile salonu, the family salon, is standard). Groups of six to twelve are ideal for a meyhane rakı-and-meze evening or a Sunday breakfast that stretches for hours.

Late April through early June and mid-September through early November are ideal. Temperatures sit in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, produce is at its peak, and outdoor eating is comfortable. Winter tours have their own appeal (fewer crowds, comfort-food menus like kokoreç, kelle paça, and salep).

For food, prioritize Karaköy (mezes, seafood, and the historic Bazaar Quarter nearby), Kadıköy on the Asian side (produce market, meyhanes, kokoreç), Beyoğlu (street food, historic pastry shops, nightlife), and Kurtuluş (multi-ethnic Istanbul: Armenian, Greek, Kurdish, and Turkish cooking in one district). Sultanahmet has the monuments but the food is mostly tourist-priced.